What is the history of palm oil production in Ghana?
Palm oil production, based on small-scale production, was a leading foreign exchange earner for Ghana from about the mid-nineteenth century to the beginning of the twentieth century.
Where is oil palm plantation located in Ghana?
A woman processing palm oil at one of the facilities supported by UNDP, MESTI and EPA. The green landscape, mostly characterized by oil palm plantation, is a beautiful, calming, and refreshing sight to behold when entering parts of the Eastern Region of Ghana. The region is one of the most suitable areas for oil palm cultivation.
How many palm oil mills are there in Ghana?
Available data shows that there were more than 1200 small-scale mills in Ghana [ 11] producing 60–80% of the national palm oil production [ 2, 15 ]. By 2015, the small-scale industry was employing over 2 million people [ 4] mostly in rural areas. 2. The problem and contribution of the chapter
Why is palm oil important in Ghana?
Palm oil is the most important edible oil in Ghana and in the West Africa region. Palm oil and palm kernel represented 2% of total agricultural production value of Ghana in 2010 [ 2 ]. The processing of oil palm is a major source of income and employment to many women in the rural areas of the forest agroecological zone [ 3 ].
Are small-scale palm oil processing mills causing environmental problems in Ghana?
The environmental impact of small-scale palm oil processing mills in Ghana has come under serious questioning, especially the disposal of wastewater generated from their operations.
Is Ghana a good place to grow palm oil?
The region is one of the most suitable areas for oil palm cultivation. Ghana is noted to be the third major palm oil producing country in Africa, and the sector plays an important role in rural livelihoods and local economic development.